Macron promises measures in response to French students’ demands after weeks of unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the government will announce concrete measures today in response to the demands of pupils and students for more resources and better learning conditions, following weeks of class boycotts, blockades, and demonstrations that have escalated into unrest across the country.

“I have asked the government to address the legitimate demands at the root of this protest movement,” Macron said during a visit to the southern port city of Marseille, where on October 17, during riots and looting, demonstrators briefly entered the city hall building.

“The Prime Minister and ministers in the government will announce several important, concrete measures this afternoon,” Macron said.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and other government officials are scheduled to meet with high school and university students later in the day.

Macron and his centrist government have faced criticism for not responding to the complaints of pupils and students since the blockades of high schools began in mid-September.

The protests have led to mass arrests, as well as a re-examination of the use of police riot control equipment, which is believed to have caused severe, lasting injuries to some teenagers.

The demonstrations on October 17, aimed against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools, escalated into violence—groups of people set fires, stormed public institutions, looted stores, and clashed with police, marking the most serious unrest in France in recent years.

Another wave of demonstrations across the country, held on Saturday, passed with less violence. According to government estimates, more than 400,000 people gathered, while organizers claim the number was nearly 800,000.

According to French media, the government is expected to announce changes to the “Parcoursup” platform—the national online university admissions system. This platform has been at the center of the protests, with pupils and students criticizing unclear selection criteria, unequal opportunities, and obstacles preventing them from enrolling in their desired study programs.

Pupils and students are also demanding the hiring of more teachers to compensate for absences, renovation of schools, changes to class schedules, and smaller class sizes. On October 8, the government announced it would send 3,000 additional substitute teachers to the high schools most in need.

Demands for better-equipped schools, especially in poorer areas, come at a time when France is facing record levels of poverty and public debt.